Scan barcode
A review by perfectsolitude
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
My favourite books are generally books that are medium/slow paced, complex and following characters through a period of time. This book has all that, but, for some weird reason, it didn’t work out as well as expected.
But it was a good book, generally. The prose is slow but engaging. We follow Damon, who grows up in poor circumstances in Lee County and goes through unimaginable hardships. Important themes are poverty, addiction, teenage pregnancies, death and foster care, and these are all elements that touch you as a reader. This book did something to me, yes, and I enjoyed the ride.
So why didn’t it live up to my expectations? For one, the middle part just drew me out a little. Also, the ending was a bit too rounded off for me. I mean, some things were so obviously build up that I was almost hoping the author wouldn’t end with. But she did. Additionally, I feel some characteristics or plot lines were kept too conceptual, while other parts were too long without need.
Kingsolver wrote one of my all time favourite books, The poisonwood bible, and even though Demon Copperhead is a different experience and not as good for me, she proved she can write books you won’t forget.
But it was a good book, generally. The prose is slow but engaging. We follow Damon, who grows up in poor circumstances in Lee County and goes through unimaginable hardships. Important themes are poverty, addiction, teenage pregnancies, death and foster care, and these are all elements that touch you as a reader. This book did something to me, yes, and I enjoyed the ride.
So why didn’t it live up to my expectations? For one, the middle part just drew me out a little. Also, the ending was a bit too rounded off for me. I mean, some things were so obviously build up that I was almost hoping the author wouldn’t end with. But she did. Additionally, I feel some characteristics or plot lines were kept too conceptual, while other parts were too long without need.
Kingsolver wrote one of my all time favourite books, The poisonwood bible, and even though Demon Copperhead is a different experience and not as good for me, she proved she can write books you won’t forget.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Child abuse, Toxic friendship, and Addiction
Moderate: Miscarriage, Racism, and Pregnancy